Hi, and thanks for stopping by.  My name is Valerie Ignatenko, and I am licensed psychologist, providing psychotherapy services to young adults, adults, and older adults, either in-person in my Wexford, PA office, or via telehealth.  My specialty areas include trauma, using methods from EMDR, trauma focused CBT, and other evidence based treatments.  I also specialize in mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.  I teach coping skills, emotion regulation skills, and communication skills.  I enjoy helping clients work on their relationships, explore their identity and values, and understand they greater purpose.  My approach is integrative, as I believe that no one strategy is effective for all people.  I will use the methods and strategies specific for you.  I prefer to work with adult and older adult clients, ages 18 and older.

 

I look forward to speaking with you about your needs.  I offer a free 15 minute consultation via telephone to make sure that you feel comfortable in our working alliance.  Starting with a new therapist is difficult, whether you have been in therapy in the past or if this is your first time.  One of my strength areas of building comfort, support and safety with clients so that they have every opportunity to grow in the ways that are necessary for them.  

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A little about me.  I am a native Pittsburgher; born and raised.  I spent time in Nevada working with indigenous communities, and have spent time living in West Virginia as well.  I completed my doctoral degree in 2015 from West Virginia University in Counseling Psychology.  I completed my Master's degree in Community Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2005, and worked in a state psychiatric hospital, in outpatient settings, and in community based roles.  Aside from my work life, I am active in the local community and engage in creative endeavors involving art and music.  I enjoy being active, and spend much of my time entertaining my dog.